Konoha.
Clang! Clang!
Kunai, shuriken, and ninja blades clashed relentlessly in the training ground before the two figures separated.
"Yo, your progress has been remarkable recently," Uchiha Mikoto said, smiling with satisfaction as she sheathed her ninja blade.
Uchiha Yo, breathing heavily and looking slightly disheveled, sat down on the soft grass. He glanced at Mikoto, who was only three years older than him, and smiled warmly.
"Mikoto-nee, congratulations on becoming a special jonin."
At fifteen years old, Mikoto had reached the rank of special jonin. Proficient in genjutsu, fire release, and kenjutsu, and possessing the dual tomoe Sharingan, she was undoubtedly one of the Uchiha Clan's most talented members.
"Thank you, Yo," Mikoto replied gently, her smile radiant.
"Your mastery of the Sharingan is coming along nicely too," she added as they both sat on the grass, the gentle breeze brushing past them. Mikoto continued to offer advice, pointing out areas where Yo could improve.
"Yo, almost all bloodline awakenings in the shinobi world bring a brief period of explosive growth in chakra or physical prowess, though the focus varies. For us Uchiha, awakening the Sharingan primarily enhances chakra capacity. It also simplifies learning ninjutsu and genjutsu significantly…"
Listening to Mikoto's insights about the Sharingan's power, Yo couldn't help but marvel at its potential.
Sharingan really is overpowered. Once awakened, you're instantly a genius.
Even from the original story, Yo could infer this. For example, Haku of the Yuki Clan displayed immense power upon awakening his kekkei genkai, and Sasuke's rapid growth after awakening his Sharingan during Kakashi's training was another example.
For most ninja, developing chakra and physical strength was a gradual process, but for bloodline holders, awakening or evolving their abilities was akin to a shortcut—a literal hack in the system.
"Yo, while the Sharingan is undoubtedly powerful, its allure often leads many clan members astray. They try to master ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu all at once, only to end up mediocre in all areas.
"You've awakened your Sharingan, but it's best to focus on a single area for development," Mikoto advised.
Yo nodded, smiling. Her words made sense. In a world where specialization defined greatness, spreading oneself too thin only squandered potential.
"Mikoto-nee, I understand. Every powerful ninja has a distinctive style, and attempting to master everything often leads to mediocrity and wasted talent."
The two continued their conversation, relaxing in the quiet training ground. After catching his breath, Yo wiped his sweat and pulled out a small purple hairband from his ninja pouch.
"Congratulations on becoming a special jonin, Uchiha Mikoto!"
Seeing his gift, Mikoto chuckled softly, her smile tinged with playfulness.
"Yo, thank you."
It was a thoughtful gesture. Mikoto, as a kunoichi and a member of a prestigious clan, lacked nothing in terms of ninja tools or techniques. Yo had chosen wisely.
Mikoto, in turn, retrieved a pair of black armguards and handed them to Yo with a smile.
"And congratulations to you, Chunin Uchiha Yo!"
Yo froze, surprised. "Chunin?"
Mikoto giggled at his reaction. "The appointment has already been sent to the clan. I'm sure you'll see the official letter when you return home."
As expected of the Uchiha. Even the Hokage's appointments had to pass through the clan first.
"Thank you, Mikoto-nee."
Yo smiled as he accepted the armguards. However, as he examined them closely, his pupils constricted slightly.
"Mikoto-nee, aren't these a bit too valuable?"
Before he could continue, Mikoto's gentle laughter interrupted him.
"Valuable? To me, Yo, nothing is more precious than you."
Her warm smile carried a trace of the Uchiha's characteristic obsession, leaving Yo momentarily stunned. He then chuckled and decided to accept the gift.
The armguards bore a small engraving of the kanji for "sword" and were designed to store ninja tools with hidden seals. Such items were extremely rare and precious.
Yo recalled Sasuke using a similar tool during his battle with Itachi in the original story.
"Yo! Mikoto!"
A cheerful voice called out, prompting Mikoto to turn with a smile. Yo followed her gaze, spotting a familiar red-haired figure.
"Yo-kun."
Uzumaki Kushina's vibrant red hair shimmered in the sunlight as she approached, her black stockings accentuating her energetic stride. Despite her bright smile, a faint sense of wariness lingered in her gaze when she looked at Yo.
"Kushina."
Mikoto greeted her warmly, and Kushina laughed heartily before giving Mikoto a big hug. The closeness between the two was evident.
Yo, however, could sense Kushina's subtle hostility toward him.
At this stage, Kushina is wary of almost everyone except a select few.
Understanding her guarded nature, Yo chose not to say much and moved to a corner of the training ground to test his new armguards.
---
At the edge of the training ground, Yo examined the sealing mechanisms on the armguards.
"Being born into the right family really is a skill," he muttered, marveling at the armguards' utility. The Uchiha Clan's famed mastery of shurikenjutsu was further amplified by the Sharingan, making such tools invaluable.
As he continued his exploration, a rustling sound caught his attention.
"Mikoto sure spoils you, huh? Giving you something so expensive," a blunt voice commented.
Turning, Yo narrowed his eyes as Kushina's shadow clone emerged from the bushes.
"Kushina-san—or should I say your shadow clone? The Uzumaki name suits you," Yo remarked, glancing toward the real Kushina, who was still chatting with Mikoto in the distance.
The shadow clone crossed her arms, her expression sharp. "You're awfully close to Mikoto. I don't like it."
Her tone carried a clear sense of possessiveness, as though Yo had encroached on her territory.
"Kushina-san, do I sense hostility?" Yo asked with a faint smile.
"Let me make myself clear, Yo-kun," Kushina said, narrowing her eyes. "Mikoto told me everything. I'll go along with your little charade for now, but you'd better keep your distance from her."
Yo remained silent for a moment, observing her fiery demeanor.
Ah, so that's it. This isn't obsession—this is the possessiveness of someone who cherishes what little they have left.
The former princess of the Uzumaki Clan, whose homeland was destroyed, now clung fiercely to her few precious bon
ds. It was a natural reaction in a world as warped as this one.
This distorted ninja world… I can't help but love it.